AT LEAST THE SUN WAS SHINING!

An injury and sickness hit squad of just twelve Stortford players made the journey out to a sunny Luton to face Stockwood Park this morning and each and every one of them put in a shift to ensure that the opposition knew that they had been in a game after the final whistle blew.
Many of our lads were starting out of position, Luca stepping in from prop to play as hooker, Ben starting at 10, Murray dropping into the back line and Jacob trying to cover full back and 13, our numbers were made up to a starting 14 with the addition of Harry and Jacob (prop and second row) on loan from Stockwood. Having agreed to play 14-a-side it was noticed that the opposition had actually started with the full compliment of 15, it looked like our lads were holding their own for the first ten minutes, but after two tries from Stockwood in quick succession we pointed out the oversight and the numbers were quickly levelled up again.

Once again Stortford had great periods of possession and defended well but like in so many of our recent fixtures the smallest of mistakes were quickly punished by the oppositions quick hands and strong play down the wings. Two more converted tries before half time made the score 26-0. However, Stortford had numerous chances, the best of which fell to Luca, who after some good play through the forwards was able to cross the line but the ball was judged by the referee to have been knocked on over the line rather than been placed cleanly down for a try - a decision that opposition coaches and players were later to disagree with!

Replacement loanee Josh joined our pack for the second half, his colleague pulling back on his red and gold shirt for the remainder of the game, but he could not stop his team mates adding three more tries in the ten minutes of the second period of play. The Stockwood coaches then made the generous gesture of bolstering our back line with the addition of 'rapid' winger Kian and on a number of occasions we nearly took advantage of the extra man, the ball being moved out to the wing much quicker but we were still unable to breach their defence. Luca was again unlucky to knock on over the line (this time we all saw it!) and Stockwood took full advantage of our handling errors, their winger taking chase after a downfield kick and after dribbling the ball several times was able to pick it up and score between the posts. With the score now at 50-0 the referee offered captain Ben the opportunity to end the game but unanimously the lads chose to play on and complete the sixty minutes. Impressed by their positive attitude, the Stockwood coaches added another player to our ranks and were even heard to offer him financial reward if he scored a try for us! Unfortunately the Stockwood coaches wallets remained in their pockets and two late tries capped off a 64-0 win for them but to their credit the Stockwood lads -whether they were playing for us or their own club - were quick to congratulate our boys on their performance and effort.

Post-match speeches were made, Jules stepping up to nominate Stockwood's 'soccer playing' winger as their player of the match and receiving their nomination as Stortford's - well deserved - star player in return.

Coaches special mention this week goes to Sonny who played the best game of his Stortford career so far, making numerous important tackles but also making strong surging runs with ball in hand and working hard to get back up in the game quickly - well done Sonny.
Massive thanks to all of our travelling supporters who once again saw their lads giving heart and soul to the game despite the score and reduced squad. Special thanks to Sam Chambers for her 'enthusiastic verbal support' from the touchline but also her water carrying skills after every try, definitely got in her ten thousand steps this morning! Also of course to Clarky for digging out his boots, running the line and lending me a hand - just when you think you were out, they pull you back in!

Recent results may not have gone our way lads, but as a coaching team we could not be prouder of your efforts, this is what a 'team' looks like, pulling together in the face of adversity!

Richard